chpater 1

So, I wanna first give a big thank you to Wentin82, Majesticid, MCUhistorian, and guest for giving me kudos for this story, as well as the people who have subscribed to follow this story. I hope you continue to enjoy this story, and thank you for your support.

Now, in regards to this chapter, sorry if Mordred is not given enough dialogue in this chapter, but trust me, she is going to be a major character. It's just a bit awkward for me with how FGO scripted Singularity F and deciding what stuff that is not needed or could be just briefly mentioned and whatnot

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

"I am Saber, name's Mordred. I ask this of you. Are you my Master?"

I nod, fighting down the urge to holler in excitement. I mean, sure, this isn't the end of a life or death situation, but I did it! I summoned a Servant!

"Mordred, the son of Arthur Pendragon, the King of Knights?" Mash asked.

"His one and only true heir," The armored knight responded, pride clearly evident despite the horned helmet obscuring their features. Then said object retracts, allowing for messy blonde hair that ends in a rough ponytail to fall down. I stared in amazement at green eyes as the thought finished registering in my head.

"You're a…. girl?" I asked, before suddenly realizing my mistake. The revelation was further supported by the sudden appearance of her oversized sword pointed at my throat.

"Call me that again, and I won't be able to stop myself," Mordred growled, even as her voice betrayed hints of her true gender. I raised my hands quickly in surrender. Mash and Ritsuka stayed still, the former tensing her body to intervene while latter glances at a still-silent Olga Marie.

"Point received. Please forgive my slight of tongue, Sir Mordred," I said, trying to remain calm. Humble might work…right? Mordred glowers at me for a few more seconds before finally lowering the sword.

"Tch. That's better," Mordred grumbled Maybe we got off on the wrong foot, but hopefully I can salvage this moment…. right?

"Let's try this again," I laugh a bit awkwardly, rubbing the back of my head sheepishly. "I am Jacob Aronson. It's a pleasure to meet you," I said while offering my right hand. Mordred stared at the gesture for a moment before nodding her head. She then stares at Mash, and I notice her body tense slightly. However, the moment passed, and she takes in her surroundings.

"Looks like someone had one hell of a party here," Mordred muttered, shaking her head in distaste, maybe because of all the carnage.

"How much did the Grail fill you in on what has happened?" Director Animusphere asked. Mordred shrugged in response.

"That humanity is in danger," She said casually, as if she was talking about having gotten an undercooked steak instead of the apocalypse. The director began filling in the Saber-class servant as Ritsuka and Mash walked over to me.

"Looks like you're going to have your hands full," my fellow master commented. I sighed and turned to the duo. "Well, at least now I can pull my weight if we encounter anything stronger than those damn skeletons," I said dryly, trying to maintain a front of being in good spirits.

The clatter of bones causes my expression to change to one of frustration, and I ready my makeshift club. "Looks like you spoke too soon," Ritsuka remarked as Mash readied her shield. A clanging sound echoed in through the ruined city as my servant's helmet reforms itself around her head, and she readies her sword.

"These are mine," she said rather savagely for a knight, before throwing herself at the incoming skeletons. The reanimated soldiers quickly prove to be no match to the knight, and the fight is over in a matter of minutes.

"Well," Director Animusphere huffed, arms crossed. "At least you managed to summon a powerful servant to fight for us." I nodded in response, awed by the sheer power and ferocity being displayed before us. Then I heard the sound of bones clacking behind us, and I spin around, gripping my makeshift mace as I swing it over my head.

With a loud grunt, I swing the concrete-covered end of the rebar down onto the top of the grinning skull of the lone skeleton, smashing it. Without a head, the rest of the bones clatter limply to the ground.

"So, it seems my Master is willing to fight," Mordred remarked casually, her sword held in a rather casual grasp. I grunt as I lower my weapon.

"I'm not going to ever be the kind of person to lay down and let others do all the fighting, nor be defenseless," I replied as I relax my body. Mordred grunted her approval in response as she walked back over to my side.

"So, Master, what do you think of my skills as a warrior?" Mordred asked with a proud smirk, her helmet retracted once more. I want to comment that for a knight, she fought more like a berserker, but I have already made one mistake already. Can't afford another now, can I?

"That I am very lucky to have you as my Servant," I reply truthfully. It's irrelevant if she fights like a knight or a brute, so long as she can and will fight. It seems that I answered correctly, for her smirk becomes even wider.

"You got that damn right. I was second only to my father!" Mordred boasted.

"This is nice and all, but we should get back to finding out what has happened here," the director said to us.

"Well, with Mash and Mordred here, this should be easy," I said hopefully, being rewarded with a grunt of approval from the Knight of Rebellion and Treachery. Meanwhile, the Demi-Servant just blushes, further reinforcing me suspicion that she has had little if any interactions before today with people. The director rolls her eyes before she starts walk along the edge of the city.

We didn't encounter any more resurrected skeletons as we proceed along the waterside. As we continued walking in silence, I focus my gaze on a damaged, metal bridge. In front of us, Director Animusphere stopped, her hands on her hips as she turned around, gazing sternly at my fellow Master.

"Stop. Before we start exploring the city any further, Fujimaru, isn't there something you want to say to me?" Aminusphere. Really? Really? Are we really doing this right now? Apparently, we are, for God's sake.

"No, nothing in particular. Why are you asking?" Either Ritsuka is taking the piss out of our boss, or he is extremely dense. The director blinked once before her right eye began to twitch rather violently. Behind me, I hear my Servant snicker quietly.

"…You're not very smart, are you? Remember what happened during the briefing?" A sheepish expression slowly begins to form on Ritsuka's face as it seems that the light is finally turning on. Mash chimed in at this point.

"Senpai, it's probably about when you dozed off during the briefing."

"You didn't mention that most of your group were an aspiring comedy act," Mordred muttered as I shake my head. The director mentioned about how she was going on about how she was going to have to essentially redo the speech when I clear my throat.

"Director Amunisphere. With all due respect, ma'am, perhaps it would be best to just simply sum up what your speech was about," I say bluntly. Something feels wrong here.

"In this case, Aronson, you may be correct," Animusphere sighed before relying the essentials about how something that had happened here. About how something had happened here, the creation of a Singularity in time, that threatened the survival of humanity, and that it had to be fixed to ensure that survival.

"Now that we have that issue dealt with. Very well, Fujimaru, as punishment, I am ordering you to be my bodyguard. Along with you, Aronson." I fight down the urge to run a hand down my face in exasperation. Ritsuka does something else entirely.

"Aye-aye, oh great Director Marie!" Said director blinks a bit owlishly.

"W-what? That's creepy. F-Flattery will get you nowhere, Fujimaru!"

"…Good to see you two getting along." Mash, I did not know you had it in you to make a joke like that. "Let's move before enemies show up." I turned to my servant, rolling my eyes in annoyance. Mordred merely shook her head. Then we resume walking.

Ritsuka, Mash, Mordred and I walk behind the fuming director. I turn to the blonde knight. "Hey, Mordred, do you mind keeping pace with the director?" The Knight of Rebellion gives me a queer look before grunting and increasing her pace.

"You ok, Ritsuka?" I asked the Japanese Magus.

"I just don't understand why she always seems to be so mad," he replied, frustrated. Before I could offer my own theory, Mash speaks up.

"Well, I can feel some sympathy for Director Animusphere's ill temper. I'm sorry, Ritsuka Senpai, but there's too much about Chaldea you don't know about."

"Ok, well, I do admit to being clueless here," Ritsuka said. I snort in amusement while Mash gives an expression that could almost be described as pity, shaking her head slightly.

"I really don't know what to do with you. It's like you're a lost kitty. Though, it's not like I'm any different. It's been about two years since I started working at Chaldea myself, and I still don't get it. I guess you could say I snuck in. Almost like an alligator." My lip twitches a bit at that last part, trying to fight down the urge to laugh. Ritsuka starts to reply, but I tuned it out, forming my own opinion about the director.

If I had to guess, she seems like a young woman who was thrown into a position that she wasn't truly prepared for. Thankfully, despite her words, her actions so far have indicated that she wants to do everything in her power to do what she sees to be the right thing.

"Master!"

I turn my head to look back at my Servant as several dozen more skeletons clatter forward.

"They're behind us too!" Mash called out, causing me to turn around to see the half-dozen enemies also closing in. What these undead lack in strength, they more than make up for that with their numbers.

"Mordred, protect the director! Turn those pests to dust!" I call out.

"Understood, Master!" Mordred replied before throwing herself forward, delivering a flying kick of sorts to the lead skeleton, destroying it and causing the pieces to take down another two. At that point, I turn back to my fellow master.

"Ritsuka, get over to the director. Mash and I can handle them," I said, raising my weapon as Mash braced herself behind her shield.

"Right!" Ritsuka agreed. Unlike Director Animusphere, it seems that my comrade understands that I am not the kind of person to just stand by and let others fight for me and not do anything. Well, either that, or he trusts that Mash will ensure that no harm comes to me. Regardless of which of those is the truth, I am thankful for the statement of implied trust.

"Ok Mash, you take the four on the right, I've got the two on the left." Mash gives me an uneasy look before nodding. Grinning slightly, I charge forward to the left, as Mash lunged forward, slamming the center of her shield into the head of the lead skeleton on the right.

I slam the improvised weapon into the center of the half-covered chest. The skeleton stumbles before lifting its rusty sword. Before it can swing, I swing my club again, breaking the spinal column. A whistling sound was the only warning I got before stepping hurriedly one step to the right, as the remaining skeleton's blade missed my body. It hits the concrete mass at the end of the rebar I am holding, and a decent-sized chunk crumbles off.

"Damn it!" I cursed as I clumsily swing it despite the close proximity of the reanimated body. However, this skeleton seemed to have at least some skill for an undead, as it parried the iron shaft with its sword. I raise my right hand, index finger extended as I focus on one of the few spells I know.

A weak Gandr bolt nails the skeleton between its empty eye sockets. For good measure, I fire a second Gandr curse at the same spot, blasting broken bone fragments away. "All enemies have been defeated here," Mash called out at that moment, having beaten the last one of her own foes. "Jacob Senpai, are you ok?" I grunt as I lower my arm. I make a fist with my hand as I try to stop the slight trembling. Three set of footsteps from behind cause me to turn around to see the director and Ritsuka approaching us, while slightly behind the Magi is my Servant, with a bored expression on her face.

"I'm tired of dealing with all these damn skeletons. I want a challenge, not some stupid workout routine," Mordred grumbled, her sword disappearing in a golden light as she de-summons the sword, deciding instead to cross her arms against her breastplate.

"Looks like this area is a bust. Nothing aside from skeletons and ruins. Maybe there will be something near the center of the city," Director Animusphere said before looking at Mash's left arm. "I see that you've been injured slightly," the director comments, extending her hands. "Here, let me see it so I can heal it for you." As she takes care of the flesh wound, I turned to Mordred.

"I am going to guess that none of those skeletons managed to even scratch your armor, huh?" I commented, wanting to break the awkward silence of the instant. The blonde knight snorts derisively.

"If that had happened, then I would be a poor excuse of a knight."

"So, what was it like-" Before I can finish my question, Director Animusphere speaks up.

"What do you mean, you don't know what your Noble Phantasm is?"

"Sadly, the Heroic Spirit that bonded with me didn't leave me with their identity. Therefore, I have no idea what kind it is, or if I even have one in the first place."

"Hmph. Perhaps it is also because you have an inexperienced Master," the director muttered as she gazes intently at my Servant and I. "What about your Servant?" That's a good question. I turn to the Knight of Treachery.

"Clarent Blood Arthur," was all she said. Even though I have only known her for a relatively short time, I have a feeling that she won't say anything else on the matter unless she wants to. Director Animusphere's expression relaxes ever so slightly, though not completely.

"That's a relief to hear," she muttered before turning to Ritsuka. "Fujimaru, once Chaldea's Rayshift capability is restored, we're going to shift a first-class Master to replace you. Newbies with no combat experience can spend their time terrified in some corner of Chaldea." Director Animusphere then turned back to me with narrowed eyes. "Aronson, you can keep your contract with your Servant for now. Once Singularity F has been dealt and we are all back in Chaldea, however, there is going to be a discussion about whether you will be allowed to continue partaking in this project. You may be skilled, but you have been reckless whenever we get attacked, even after you summoned a powerful Servant to fight for you. Do you both understand?"

I nod my head, tuning out everyone else. 'Great, even my boss doesn't believe in me.' Out of the corner of my eye, I see Mordred looking up at me with an expression I'm unable to figure out. She purses her lips as if to say something when Director Animusphere resumes ordering us around.

"Now that we have that settled, let's move on."

The following two hours or so were spent rather quietly. We didn't spot any skeletons as we moved deeper into the burning city. Early on we encountered only a small handful of skeleton enemies, though Mash and Mordred swept them aside with ease. Then we no longer saw any. Instead of putting me at ease, it bothers me greatly. While walking, Director Animusphere explained her theory of Singularity F being the result of an alteration of what she called the Fifth Holy Grail War, explaining the traditions of the event, and what was supposed to have happened. About how the Saber-class Servant had been the winner of the Grail, and that the city had not been destroyed in fire. At least that theory is one that both makes sense and gives us a better idea of what to possibly look for.

Finally, we stop near the remains of what might have been the remains of a church. The area seemed to have been subjected to less damage than the rest of the city. Beyond the burnt-out remains of the church seems to be the remains of some sort of cemetery, with broken tombstones.

The director stops in front of the church and turns around. "Ok, we should take a short break. Take this time to sit down and rest." Mash and Ritsuka do so gladly. While neither of them had made any sort of complaint during the journey, they had been through a lot during the past hours. As have I. Instead of sitting, however, I remain standing, my gaze drawn to the tombstones. I'm not sure why, but something about them feels wrong. Maybe a quick closeup will calm my nerves.

"I'm going to check out that cemetery, if that is ok, Director Animusphere?" I asked respectfully. The Magus thought about it for a few seconds before shrugging.

"Just be quick about it. We shouldn't spread ourselves out too far, or for too long if we have to do so. If you find anything, report back at once," Animusphere declared. I grunt a thank you before shooting my Servant a questioning look, curious to see if she wanted to follow. She shakes her head before answering.

"I'll have to pass. I've already had my fill with dead stuff for today." I nod in understanding before I walk off cautiously, my piece of rebar held loosely in my hands. I shiver slightly, the feeling of being watched returning. The sheer silence, without even the popping and crackling of fire like we had been surrounded by in the city, is unnerving, unnatural.

Soon I arrive at the site. My brow furrows slightly as my eyes narrow. These are certainly not normal tombstones. Maybe pieces of debris from the church? I take a few more steps, pausing when I feel my right foot land on stone. I lift my foot up before bending down to get a closer look. It looks like the remains of a carved hand. Looking ahead, I see what looks like a life-sized leg made from stone sticking up from the ground.

"What the hell?" I mutter, starting to feel creeped out. I look to my right, seeing what from a distance looks like large tombstone monument. Carved eyes reflecting terror stare back as I straighten back up, my weapon slipping from trembling hands.

Oh god…these aren't pieces of oddly shaped debris or tombstones. They're people who have been turned to stone somehow! The hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Someone's here, watching us. That's why we haven't seen any skeletons. We must leave. Now.

"Guys, get up!" I hollered as I run back. I see Mordred jumping up to her feet, her large sword re-materializing in her hands as her helmet once more re-assembles over her head. The rest of the group look up, undoubtedly with expressions of either confusion or alarm. "There's something or someone here!"

"Jacob! Behind you!" Ritsuka called back just as I start to hear the sound of chains rattling towards me from behind. I turn around to see a tall woman with pale pink hair and yellow eyes staring at me, holding onto the end of a long chain, the other ending attached to the hilt of a dagger or some similar sort of blade, heading straight towards me. Looking back at the pale eyes filled with malice, my body suddenly freezes, as if I were frozen in a block of ice. 'Servant?' I thought dumbly as I stare ahead with wide eyes.

Everything seemed to slow down. Shouts became muffled, as the blade approaching my chest drew closer and closer. I try to move, but it feels like my limbs are made of lead, barely moving at all. 'I'm going to die,' I think with a soft whimper.

"Master!"

Then I feel something push me to the side, followed by a grunt of pain. Mordred yanks the blade out of her right shoulder, letting out a hiss of contempt as she raised her sword in a defensive stance. "Idiot," the knight snarled without turning her hidden head from me. I lower my gaze for a moment in shame, knowing she is right. "That's a pretty cowardly move for a Servant. I'm guessing you're an Assassin-class Servant," Mordred growled angrily. The Servant merely laughed, a sound devoid of warmth and dripping with cruelty.

"The only thing that matters is that you and your friends will be dead soon!" She grinned before lunging forward.

"Not happening!" Mordred shifted her stance to her typical attack one, red lightning sparking off of her armor and sword. The next few moments leave me struggling to follow the fight. One moment, Mordred and the enemy Servant are locked in battle, the next they vanish, only to reappear and then vanish again. Is this what a true battle between Servants looks like? How can I help Mordred out if she needs it?

No. I have to trust in the Saber-class Servant. Then the sounds of combat register in a different direction. More Servants?

I turn around to see a shadowy figure armed with some sort of polearm slamming their weapon against Mash's shield, causing the Demi-Servant to stumble backward. We're trapped. Surrounded.

A blow that must have slipped through Mordred's guard causes the knight to go skidding backwards. A few more cuts around the areas of her arms not protected by her plate armor have joined the injury she sustained earlier when she saved me. "Bastard's tougher than she looks," Mordred admitted grudgingly as her foe adjusts her stance, smirking at us. Behind us I can hear the sounds of the others shouting to one another, then another voice is heard, causing everyone to pause.

"I thought you were just some girl, but it looks like you've got some fight in you. Now there's no way that I can leave you like this!" A masculine voice boomed around us. The sadistic look of joy in the long-haired Servant's face fades away rapidly, replaced with a scowl.

"Caster?!? You dare interfere in this?" The Servant demanded, lowering her guard unintentionally. A fatal mistake, even for a Heroic Spirit. Mordred charged forward, swinging her sword with all her might at the distracted Servant. The blade sliced the Servant in half before the remains crumbled into shadow, disappearing into the night.

"Are you ok?" I asked Mordred, stepping forward slowly. She turns her head to me, maintaining a ready stance.

"I'll be fine. Get to the others, I'll be right behind you," She said, pushing me forward a bit roughly to ensure that I did as she ordered. As I get closer, I notice the newcomer, who I assume was the one who had spoken up. He is dressed in sky-blue robs with white trimming and patterns, a cowl obscuring most of his head. A staff is held in his hands as he and Mash push forward against the remaining Servant. By the time Mordred and I return to the group, it is defeated. Mordred keeps both her helmet and her sword up.

"Who are you?" Ritsuka asked. The newcomer turns around as he used his free hand to lower his cowl, revealing bright blue hair in a ponytail, bright red eyes, and a casual smile on his face.

"I am the Servant summoned for the Caster-class for this Holy Grail War. I'm usually a Lancer, but I am Cú Chulainn. We ought to have a chat now, don't ya agree?"

Chapter Text

"So…let me get this straight. If you die, we're doomed?" I asked a nonchalant Chulainn. I can feel a vein starting to throb violently on my forehead as he nodded in response. I want to scream my lungs off, demanding to know why the hell that my life expectancy today can be summed up in those last five words.

After finishing introductions, Cú Chulainn had led us to what appears to have once been the local school building. Surprisingly, aside from blown-out doors and broken windows, the building itself was in a rather decent condition, especially when one compared its status to that of the rest of the area.

We were currently seated in a circle of sorts, having moved the required number of desks and seats around to do so. To the right of me, Mordred was leaning back in her chair, resting her head against her hands. She hadn't removed her helmet yet, and I hadn't pressed her to do so. Much like my own baseball cap, it could possibly be a source of comfort for her, for all I know.

Which, for that matter, was extremely little. I'm going to have to fix that, if I can. It doesn't sit well with me to have summoned someone, man or woman, to fight alongside me (I refuse to accept the director's demands that I focus on letting my Servant do the fighting for me), and not doing anything to know them better, or form any kind of bond. Maybe…just maybe, Mordred and I could be friends?

Focus, Jacob. Save humanity first, then focus on relationship stuff.

Chulainn had told us about how Saber had defeated six out of the seven other Servants that had been summoned for the Grail war. About how afterwards, each of them had arisen as corrupted, altered versions of who they were. More importantly, he had told us about how to correct Singularity F.

Saber must be defeated before someone or something gets lucky enough to defeat our Caster ally.

Director Animusphere had excused herself briefly to contact Doctor Romani, saying that she wanted to have him log the events that the Irish Servant had just told us about, and to also check to see, as she said, if there were more capable Masters or something to takeover. The bulging vein on her forehead indicates her displeasure before she even speaks.

"We're on our own. We can either take out this Saber, or we can dig in and hide." In other words, fight or flight. Ritsuka speaks up, but I ignore him, my brain weighing out the pros and cons of each idea.

To fight would be proactive, and potentially (if successful) allow for us to return to Chaldea as soon as possible. On the other hand, it would mean fighting with a disadvantage in a cave, and having an ally that could absolutely not be allowed to die.

On the other hand, hiding would allow for our group to be able to force the enemy to come to us, and theoretically give us the initiative of being able to run. However, we lack the advantage of knowing the local area regardless of its present condition, while the surviving corrupted Servants appear to not have that problem.

Unfortunately, my internal musings have caused me to apparently miss something rather important as half of our party are now on their feet.

"Sorry, I spaced out. What's going on now?" I am immediately rewarded with a scoff and eyeroll from Director Animusphere. My face flushed slightly in response.

"Chulainn is going to help Mash with finding out how to unlock and use her Noble Phantasm before we do anything else. I'm going along as moral support." And to keep the Caster from perving on Mash, no doubt. I nod my head in response to Ritsuka.

"Ah ok. Thanks for that. Good luck."

"Hopefully, we will have a plan for fixing this mess too, when you return."

I wonder if this was similar to what my grandfather saw during his deployment in Europe? A burning, devastated city, devoid of joy, dreams, and life.

Before he died, he always refused to talk about what he saw upon marching past the beaches of Normandy, being vague about his service in France, and tight-lipped about Germany. From what my father told me when I asked him about that, he replied that my grandfather had been the same way whenever my dad asked similar questions. Young as I was, however, I didn't miss the appearance of a haunted expression on my grandfather's face. Having never bothered to ask him aloud, I had always wondered what he had seen that had impacted him that heavily.

Now?

Now, I think I have an idea why.

I've lost track of how long I had been staring at the fire. There had been nothing for me to do while the Hound of Ireland tried to teach Mash how to unlock and use her Noble Phantasm in the remains of what must have been a forest surrounding part of the abandoned school. My Servant had volunteered to patrol the perimeter of our temporary base in the meantime. That had left me alone with a muttering, brooding Olga Marie Animusphere.

I had lasted at best five minutes. After the fifth minute had finished being dragged past us, I had moved towards my feet. "I'm going to the roof," I had informed my boss, who nodded absentmindedly in response. I had shaken my head, worried that the Magus was cracking under the stress. Hell, it was honestly a massive surprise that neither her, Ritsuka, or I had cracked. I needed some time to think and process.

I had gotten to do much of it. One of the biggest things was on the topic of the events immediately before we had been Rayshifted here.

There was no way that explosion had been an accident, experimental technology or not. The fact that the computer program, SHEBA, if memory served me correctly, had detected the absence of humanity's existence after the next hundred years was the first clue, at least to me. If someone or something wanted that to happen, what better way then to ensure it by blowing up the only organization with the capabilities and resources to undo whatever it was that caused Singularity F? The question then became one of who.

It was almost without a doubt not Ritsuka, Mash, or Director Animusphere. Ritsuka, bless his apparent denseness, did not strike me. Mash seemed to be a bit…directionless when it came to herself. The director, for all her words and manners, really did seem to have humanity's survival as a personal goal, though whether this was due to familial legacy or personal desire was unknown to me.

The fact that the explosion had happened when it did may narrow down the list. For an outside group to not only find the location of Chaldea, but the exact moment when the entirety of the senior staff and all the candidates were assembled in one area? Possible, but it would be one hell of a coincidence. More likely, the saboteur or saboteurs were back in Chaldea. Maybe that Romani guy?

No, I shouldn't focus on that just yet. There's already enough danger surrounding my comrades and me. If I continue to focus intently on this, at least for the present moment, I run the risk of slipping up, possibly getting one or all of us killed. We can't fail, especially not now.

And then there is my Servant…

"So, this is where you've been," Mordred Pendragon asked. Ah, speak of the devil. Without turning around, I nod my head, eyes still fixed on the burning buildings surrounding us. If we fail, is this what we will return to when Animusphere sends Ritsuka and I back? I scowl slightly, chasing away the gathering negative thoughts. Gotta keep my head in the game.

"Yeah. Sorry if it seemed like I was ignoring you, Mordred. I just needed to find somewhere quiet. It's been a long day. I feel like I've aged five years in as many hours. With that Caster guy away with Mash and Ritsuka, I needed to think. Did you find anything?"

"Not even some more of those pathetic skeletons," Mordred replied casually, shaking her head. "So, you doing ok then?" She asked, though it may have been less of a caring question and more of a wanting to know basis. I grunt, before changing the topic, my gaze flirting over to the ruined forest.

"I wonder how Mash is doing. Since Ritsuka's with her, I doubt that Chulainn would try to make any more…'advances'…on her like earlier." Mordred snorted, clearly amused by the incident in question.

"That guy's so much like Merlin…are all Casters perverts?" Mordred groaned in frustration. I can imagine her rolling her green eyes in annoyance behind her helmet. I shoot a questioning look to my Servant, turning around and leaning backwards slightly, my attention focused on her.

"Wait, so one of the most famous magicians of all-time was a womanizer?" I asked, a bit incredulously. The knight nods her head, retracting her helmet. She walks over to me and leans against the remaining chain-link fence I am resting against.

"Yeah. I mean, I didn't know him all that well, but there were plenty of rumors. The few times I saw him at court did little to convince me they were false." Still staring in disbelief, I started laughing softly. As my laughter dies down, I lick my lips a bit nervously.

"Hey, Mordred. Since we have a few minutes, do you mind if I ask a few questions?" She didn't answer at first, as she cocked her head slightly, a confused expression on her face.

"Why?"

"Well, it's just that if we are going to be partners, it would probably be a good idea to get to know about each other some?" I offered, turning my ballcap around in my hands once again. Mordred said nothing for the next few seconds, pondering about this before shrugging casually.

"Ask away."

"What's the name of your sword?"

"Clarent."

"What were the other Knights of the Roundtable like?"

"Lancelot was a womanizer, in addition to being skilled with the sword. Tristan a melodramatic crybaby with a ridiculous-looking weapon. Agravain was just broody and stern, acting like he was a voice of reason. Gawain, he was a prick. Then there was Bedivere." I perked up. Huh. Mordred wasn't so dismissive of that name. That's a good sign, I hope.

"What was he like? The stories about that time don't really say much about him, other than how he returned Excalibur to the Lady of the Lake…" I trailed off as my brain realized that maybe, just maybe, it isn't all too good of an idea to discuss the events that happened immediately after her father had slain her. Fortunately, Mordred doesn't react.

"He was one of King Arthur's most loyalist of knights, even among the Roundtable. He was quiet, but always tried to be friendly."

"Alright. Final question for now. Do you only wear your armor? Or do you have clothing or outfits that you can change into?" Mordred didn't answer with words, but rather with actions.

Her silvery-red armor glowed a faint red for a few seconds before suddenly disappearing to reveal a rather revealing outfit that left most of her upper body exposed. For the few seconds before I look away, I notice her toned arms and exposed stomach, and hints of the bottom of her breasts. While I am glad that she isn't nude, it's not like it's much better than if that were the case. A soft flash of red filled the room when I turned my reddening face away.

A few seconds later, I feel a firm slap to my back. "Hey, you ok?" Mordred asked, having either apparently not realized I found her body attractive or realizing that and not caring. If I had to bet, in all honesty, it would be on the former. Though, it does confuse me a bit. She doesn't like being referred to as a woman, and yet she is fine with clothing that would show that she is one?

"When we get back to Chaldea, would you like me to buy some clothes for you? Actual clothes, so you don't have to go around wearing that armor constantly?" 'And maybe also not cause every single remaining guy with hormones to go crazy with lust?'

"You offering to pay for that?" Mordred asked, a slightly confused expression on her face. I give her a soft smile.

"Of course. I just figured that you would like to have the chance to go out in the world when we're not on missions, and that if so, having a pair of everyday clothes would be useful. Hell, it might be nice even if you want to just stay in Chaldea," I explained with a shrug at the last part. Mordred's green eyes stare into my brown ones, her brow crinkled slightly in thought. I remain silent, waiting to hear from my Servant.

Finally, a wide, toothy grin erupts from the blonde as she slapped my back, gentler this time, like a pat on the back almost. "Well, thanks Master! You might not always be good with words, but at least you're not a useless Master." I chuckled softly at the backhanded praise.

"You should see me when I have a proper sword in my hands," I sighed forlornly, thinking back about my crude and temporary weapon. Maybe Chaldea has an armory to allow Master Candidates to defend themselves? Mordred shoots me a suspicious look.

"You know how to use a sword?" She asked. I opened my mouth to reply when a new, but familiar, voice interrupts.

"Aronson." Ah, the lord of brooding has deigned to visit us, I see. The director gazes at my Servant and I with a rather calm, composed expression.

"Director," I responded, curious. "Is everything ok?"

"Tentatively, I would say yes. Mash and Fujimaru contacted Romani and I a few minutes ago. Apparently, the Caster has made a breakthrough in our efforts to discover her Noble Phantasm. They're now on their way back. Once they do, we're going to come up with a plan for how to proceed with the information Chulainn has provided us with." I nodded in understanding.

"It'll be nice to finally have something. I don't know about Mordred or any of the others, but I am getting sick of seeing only burning buildings." Director Animusphere gives me an unamused look. I raise my hands in apology. "Sorry. I guess we should start heading downstairs then?"

"Yes," the white-haired Magus responded, turning back to the stairwell. I was about to push myself off of the fence to follow her when I noticed that my Servant hasn't moved, but seems to eb staring off into the distance.

"Mordred?" The blonde knight doesn't respond. I straighten my back, placing my hat back onto my head as Director Animusphere swiveled her head rapidly, eyes darting between my Servant and I. Bothered by the silence, and the building tension, I speak up, a little louder with my question this time. "Mordred. What's wrong?" I notice her eyes widening suddenly, just before her helmet slams back into place.

"Hold on!" She shouted as she grabbed the director and I. The next second, I am experiencing the exhilaratingly terrifying experience of free-falling from the roof of the building. Next to me, the director screams loudly and incoherently, a sentiment I would be sharing. The ground draws closer and closer. I start to close my eyes, my lips moving in a silent prayer that my Servant didn't just get me killed.

The next second, the air is forced out of my lungs as the building we had been staying in explodes. My vision is obscured as

"Master? Are you ok?!?" If it wasn't for the fact that I was coughing out dust and grit from my lungs, I might have grinned at the level of concern. It's probably only because I am essentially her life-energy battery pack, but maybe, just maybe, there was a hint of personal concern for me in her voice. Lying nearby after being knocked off my head is my precious cap, covered in a fine layer of pulverized concrete. I reach forward, grabbing it by the brim, then I shake it to rid it of the mess as best I can, coughing a bit more as I did so.

"I'm f-fine, Mordred. If you hadn't reacted like you did, the director and I would've been goners," I reply as the sounds of both coughing and more footsteps fills the cloudy air.

"Jacob! Director! Are you guys ok?"

"No, we are dead," I attempt to joke, only for my Servant to give reproachful scowl, clearly unamused by my antics. "Yeah, we're ok. Just shaken somewhat. Didn't realized we had a bomber in this town."

"Master, I think we just had our first encounter with an Archer-class Servant." Note to self, if we survive this, ask Mordred to call me by my name. Being called 'Master' is rather unnerving.

"That damn bastard," our Caster-class ally muttered. Of course, the ranged Servant that had been summoned and apparently corrupted in this God-forsaken Singularity would have the power of a mini-WMD. Fan-frickin-tastic! "We need to come up with a new plan. As in, now."

"After we find somewhere to hide," Mash chimed in by stating the obvious once again.

"Follow me," Chulainn gestured. Putting our trust in our unexpected ally once more, we do so, Mordred taking up the rear. 'Well, this complicates things.'

"Well, since we are now being targeted by a Servant with long-range abilities, it's obvious we have to abandon the 'exploring only' aspect from our earlier plan. We have to go on the offensive, as much as I hate the idea considering who we have available," the director of Chaldea grumbled. Chulainn stands next to her, and I could have almost sworn I heard the Caster muttering something about how we wouldn't be having a problem if he had been summoned as a Lancer. I shake my head slightly as I notice that no one seems to be suggesting anything.

"What if we split into two groups?" The silence in the abandoned building we had ran into was so thick, a dropped pin hitting the ground may as well have sounded like an explosion. Everyone turns their eyes towards me.

"What do you mean, Aronson?" Director Animusphere looked at me, eyes narrowed with suspicion. I swallow softly, feeling my anxiety levels starting to rise. Well, too late now. I push forward.

"If we can't afford to wait, we also can't afford to be pinned down in one group. Otherwise, that Archer Servant can eliminate you, me, and Ritsuka with a single shot. The other remaining shadow Servants Chulainn mentioned could also join in on the fight, and leave us weakened. Therefore, Mordred and I will take on the Archer guarding the cave you," I said, gesturing at the Irish Caster, "told us about earlier. In the meantime, Director Animusphere, you, Mash, Ritsuka, and Chulainn can try to slip past the fighting to enter the cave in order to defeat this Saber Servant and retrieve the Grail, fixing the Singularity."

Ritsuka and Mash exchanged nervous looks while Director Animusphere holds her chin in one hand as she weights the risks and benefits of the plan. Chulainn focuses his red eyes on me, being the first one to break the silence and voicing his concern over what I had just suggested.

"Are you sure this is a good idea? I know the young lady," I rest my hand on Mordred's shoulder as I can feel her tense as her gender is mentioned, "is a strong Servant. But I'm worried that Archer will prove to be too much."

"I believe in my Servant. We will defeat, or at the very least, distract your Archer pal. If we defeat him before the rest of you finish off this Saber Servant, we'll hop in as soon as we can. If the opposite happens, then the Archer is finished. Maybe it is not the best plan, but damn it," I growled, thumping my free hand against the wall softly, "it's the only plan we can use."

"Jacob Senpai is correct. We shouldn't keep standing around in one area, or else Archer will continue to use his superior range to bombard us. He only needs to be lucky once or twice," Mash chimed in. I nod my head thankfully at the Demi-Servant, before turning to the still-silent Director Animusphere, one hand cupping her chin as she contemplated my proposal. Finally letting out a long sigh, she clasps her hands behind her back.

"Very well. Seeing as the plan could work, we will do it. Aronson, you and your Servant should leave soon. We will follow in about ten minutes. Hopefully, the two of you will have him preoccupied by then. Just…don't do anything stupid, like trying to fight. Got it?"

"Crystal. Good luck," I said, nodding towards Mordred. Returning the nod, we turn around and begin to head out when my boss speaks up.

"Good luck, Aronson. Don't die," She said as we begin the trek to the cave housing the Grail.

Notes:

Ok, so the delay in this chapter, as mentioned earlier, was because of what to include. Orginally I was also going to include the fight scene with Archer, but finally decided that it would have felt a bit better if it was in the enxt chapter. Another thing I am worried about is maybe I am moving too fast or too slow in how Mordred and Jacob are interacting. Sadly, I won't be able to write Mordred perfectly, but I wanna try to stay as close to her personality. As for Jacob, I plan on giving a full background thing once Singularity F has been completed, so bear with me please.

Chapter Text

Mordred and I walked down the streets cautiously. No skeletons had bothered us, for reasons I know not. Thankfully, it allowed us to cover the distance to the cave rather rapidly, even with the fact that every now and then we duck into ruined buildings and sneak through clusters of wreckage to avoid being targeted by the Archer.

I feel vulnerable without a physical weapon. Some Magi might argue that the Servant beside me was one of the ultimate physical weapons I could wield, but I would argue against that to the end. She is a person, not an object to be used and then discarded if it fails or is no longer needed.

Speaking off, I can't help but notice the expression on her face. She has been gazing ahead, her brow furrowed. Maybe I shouldn't push the issue, but we're about to face an opponent that could wipe out the entire group in seconds. Anything less than having our heads 100% in the game is unacceptable. I turn towards her, opening my mouth to speak when she beats me to the point.

"Tell me, Master…" Mordred begins, looking at me with guarded green eyes. "Did you mean what you said back there, about having faith?" Why was she asking? I answer without hesitation, however.

"I meant every word. You answered my call on your own accord. Therefore, I doubt you would settle for giving anything other than your best."

"But yet you are willing to trust the Knight of Treachery?" Mordred persisted, a confused expression on her face as she tilted her head slightly as she stops walking. I do the same and gaze down at her.

"Yes."

"But why?"

"Because sometimes, you have to rely on blind trust and faith. Titles do not define who a person is. I only know the basics of the fall of Camelot, but I doubt that it is only your fault, or that you didn't have good reasons for doing what you did. Maybe I am wrong, but I will trust you. We're partners, and partners can't work together if there is no trust," I explained. Sure, I would love to know more about what happened, because I have a feeling there is more behind Mordred's rebellion than I know. However, this is neither the time nor place to ask or push.

Maybe she will betray me regardless of how I behave to her, but if I act like she is going to do so at any second, then that chance will only increase.

Mordred stared silently at me for a few minutes, staring into my eyes. Maybe she is searching for deceit, or other ulterior motives? Whatever she is searching for, she doesn't find.

"…You're an odd one, Master," the Saber finally said, turning back around to resume our march. I follow suit as she continued speaking. "I suppose that I will have to prove you right then, huh?"

Now walking slightly behind her, I feel the soft smile forming with my mouth. 'She is definitely one of a kind,' I reflected in amusement. Hopefully, the next few hours won't be the end of it.

Another ten minutes goes by, and we approach the cave nestled in the ruins of what appeared to have been a local temple. My Servant and I cautiously approached. "Where is he? Do you sense him?" I asked the English knight beside me. A masculine voice from behind causes us to whirl around.

A tall, white-haired man with tanned skin and what appears to be rust stains across his features gazes down in what I assume to be boredom, though his gaze is locked on my Servant as he speaks.

"So, this is the famous traitor. I see that the resemblance is striking. At least, when it comes to looks. At least she didn't destroy an entire nation in what was essentially a temper tantrum because she didn't get what she wanted," the Archer-class Servant observed, his voice as cold and lifeless as steel. Of course, why wouldn't we ever get to fight a friendly Servant intent on killing us. I mean, it wouldn't change having to fight, but at least the banter would be entertaining…maybe?

Mordred growled, her gauntlets creaking softly as she tightens her grip

"What did you say?

"You heard me, child," Archer said without blinking or breaking his monotone. Mordred's body tensed up, like a coiled viper just seconds from lashing out. Her green eyes blaze angrily as her fearsome helmet reassembles itself over her head. My eyes widen as I realize what Archer was doing, and the fact that it is working all too well for him.

"Mordred, don't listen to him. He's just trying to-" I tried to warn

"You bastard!"

Mordred doesn't lunge forward so much as throws herself forward, Clarent held in both hands, ready to deliver a sundering overhead swing. "Damn it," I muttered harshly, realizing that for all intents and purposes, we have given up the advantage of reacting first.

I watch as Archer extended his hands slightly, before two concave-shaped short swords appear, one in either hand. They look to be of a Chinese origin, and one blade is white while the other is black. Where is his bow though? There is no way that explosion from earlier was because of two small swords...right?

Just as Mordred begins to swing her sword upon reaching them, our opponent raised his arms across his chest, the two blades forming an X shape as he parried Mordred's blow. To the Saber's credit, though, the impact sends him skidding back a few feet. He pushes his body forward, delivering a rapid series of cuts and thrusts that Mordred blocks. My hand clenched tightly, fingernails digging into my palms as I watch helplessly.

Sparks leap off of the weapons each time they connect. The moment that Archer eased up on his attacks, Mordred kicked him in the chest with one armored boot, sending him back a few feet, giving her more room for her to use full length of her sword. She swings with a loud grunt.

The white sword intercepted the strike, and the blade shattered. Dropping the hilt of the broken sword, the corrupted Servant lunges with the other sword. I watch in confusion as the discard blade dissolves, and then my eyes widen as it reappears moments later. Noble Phantasm?

Mordred merely growls angrily. "Cheap trick for a cheap bastard!" She snarled as she delivers her own series of wild sword swings. Archer didn't even appear to raise an eyebrow at the insult or the flurry of attacks. Instead, the white-haired Servant alternates between blocking and dodging.

A soft exclamation of surprise from behind causes me to turn around, seeing the rest of my group. Not trusting my voice to give away the ploy, I wave wildly, pointing at the now-unguarded cave entrance. Director Animusphere nodded in reply, lightly shoving Ritsuka and Mash forward. The action causes them to regain their focus, tearing their gaze away from the fight.

Trailing in the rear, Chulainn turned around as the others disappeared into the darkness of the cave, mouthing a wish of good luck to me and my Servant. We might actually be needing it. A grunt of pain causes me to whirl my attention back to the fight.

Mordred stumbles back a few steps, one hand holding her right arm just below her shoulder armor. Blood dripped off of one of the Archer's swords as he gazed in that irritating, condescending manner.

"Another difference it seems. You fight like a Berserker. Unimaginable for any knight, even a treasonous one, would fight like you are."

"My skills are second only to my father!" Mordred snarled, letting go off her injury. If it is any consolation for us, it seems to be nothing more than a deep cut. The sinking feeling of my gut tells me that it may not be the only one

"Empty boasts. The King of Knights fought like a true knight. You will never be one in anything other than title." My servant's figure starts to tremble, her fury building stronger than earlier. Archer readies his swords as his taunting seems to work effectively once again. I point my right index finger at the Servant's face and fire a shot of Gandr.

Not even looking away from the seething Saber, Archer tilts his head to the right slightly, allowing for the curse to fly by harmlessly. At least it seems to have gotten him to shut up. I keep my hand and my gaze focused while I address my comrade.

"Ignore him! Mordred, he's trying to get under your skin. He wants to provoke you again like earlier.

"You remind me of someone I loathed," Archer commented idly, leaping backwards. His swords vanish. In their place, a large bow appeared in one hand, and a long, thin metal object in the other. I assume that it is an arrow. He notches the arrow and pulled back the bowstring with the casual ease that can be seen in one who has constantly been using the weapon. Adjusting his body, he locks his cold, lifeless eyes with mine.

It takes me a few seconds to realize that he is aiming at me.

"There's always the easiest option for taking down a Servant. No matter how strong or skilled, without their Master, a Servant is on borrowed time at best." Damn it! I raise my arm back up and point again at the Servant, firing round after round of Gandr as fast as I can, pumping my Magic Circuits for everything they have. An Aronson doesn't go down without a fight!

A familiar sword moves in a blur, slamming into the bow from the side and knocking both bow and arrow out of our opponent's hands. An empty-handed Mordred pushes forward, her hands clenched in fists as she tries to connect a gauntlet-clad fist or one of her pointed sabatons with the body of Archer as she unleashes yet another flurry of blows. My arm still extended, I blink as the events that had just happened are fully processed.

'She threw her sword like a damn javelin!' I thought, staring incredulously at the knight. Without a sword to block the two swords from earlier, having been re-summoned at some point, small amounts of blood are thrown to the left or right as the corrupted Servant scores minor blows.

I curse as I watch him force Mordred back, the tide of the fight having change again. Even if we buy time for Ritsuka and the others to defeat the Saber-class Servant Chulainn told us about and come to our aid, it might be too late. Mordred's fury is working against her, causing gaps to appear in her defense even when she retrieves Clarent. His swords seem unable to penetrate or damage her armor, but it doesn't cover everywhere.

My eyes narrowed slightly as I creep around to the side, my thoughts running at a thousand miles an hour. I don't have a sword or my makeshift weapon from the start of this nightmare, not that it would have been of any meaningful use in this case. Gandr is a distraction at best. I have one more trick up my sleeves.

A sharp cry of pain distracts me as my eyes snap to my Servant. Somehow, during the rapid exchange of attacks, Archer had managed to badly damage Mordred's helmet, with part of her left face exposed. She stumbled back a step, before growling. I point my hand once more to fire a shot of Gandr, praying to whatever divine being that was watching us for it to work.

The curse flies true. Whether he was distracted or something else, I don't know. What I do know, however, was that the Archer had divided his attention between my Servant and I. This might be our best chance. I draw in a deep breath as I fire another Gandr round that is deflected.

"Mordred! Now!" I shouted. A few seconds later, I hear a sickening sound, followed by the sounds of two metal objects falling to the ground.

Archer looks down at the hilt of Clarent pressing against his chest, a small, sad smile on his lips as the familiar gold dust appears. We did it! Mordred pants, helmet retracted, and blood running down the left side of her face from the cut over her brow. I stare at our defeated foe as he opened his mouth.

"So, it seems that once more I failed her. Perhaps this is for the best…when you see Saber, tell her…that I failed…" The dying Servant doesn't manage to finish saying the last word of his request, having finished dissolving, but I still nod my head. He may have tried his best to kill us, but I see no reason to not at least honor that simple request. I flinch suddenly as I hear a soft groan. I whirl about, frantically staring at Mordred before hurrying over to the injured Knight of Treachery.

I bite my lip softly, worried, as my Servant falls down to one knee, leaning heavily against Clarent. I hurry over to her. "Mordred?"

"B-bastard knocked me around some," Mordred replied in a steady tone, not looking at me. "Don't worry Master, I'm not going to die." That's a relief to hear, as I exhale softly. However, that doesn't mean that we can go running off to support the others. I spend the next few minutes weighing my options. Mana transfer by blood could work, but it might take too long, and considering how I am starting to run on fumes due to being unable to properly rest, eat, or drink, I can't risk it.

Looking down at the red markings on my hand, I suddenly feel stupid. Of course! I could use a Command Seal to heal her. From my research during the past few months before going to Chaldea, I had gathered that there was very little that a well-worded command couldn't do. They were only to be used in emergencies, and my gut tells me that this is a pretty good time.

"By the power of my First Command Seal, Saber, be healed," I intoned in a solemn voice. The top seal, glowing bright red, instantly vanishes upon finishing my declaration. I stare worriedly at my Servant. Like, well, magic, Mordred's wounds began to heal. A minute later, and the Knight of Treachery pushes herself up from her kneeling position. The tears and scratches in her armor and sleeves were gone as well.

"Thanks, Master," Mordred grunted. I nod my head as I stare at the cave entrance. My body shakes slightly from a combination of exhilaration and the draining of adrenaline from the near-death experience. We did it! We defeated a powerful Servant. I didn't let anyone down. I manage to not become distracted with the prospect of being acknowledged for our accomplishment. Maybe Director Animusphere won't even consider giving Mordred a different Master, since I proved that I am competent enough to work alongside her. No, focus. Praises and all can come later, when we are safe and sound in the present at Chaldea.

"You did well. Are you ready to help Mash and Ritsuka?" 'And finish this nightmare?' I silently added in my head.

"Yeah. Thanks for the assist, even if it could have gotten you killed." Well, crap. Mordred made sure to add extra emphasis on that last part. Is she upset at me? Think, Jacob, think.

"Thanks for saving my ass again," I quipped in response, earning a brief bark of laughter as we entered the cave. As we start walking, I shot the Knight of Rebellion a side-long look. "That part where you threw the sword…that might have been a tad too much." Another bark of laughter echoes as I shake my head.

I shiver slightly after the last few steps. Not from cold, though it is far from warm down here. Rather, an ominous feeling slams into my body, heightening my anxiety. "We shouldn't be here," I mumbled numbly, fighting down a wave of nauseous. "This place…it feels…wrong." Mordred nodded in response, Clarent resting against her shoulder, eyes narrowed.

"It must be a side-effect of a corrupted Grail," she suggested. I nod before clenching my fists. Damn it, this is not a time to risk a break-down. Not after getting this far.

"The sooner we get to the others, the sooner we can finish this. Hopefully, Doctor Romani has finished whatever repairs to the Rayshift machinery by now," I say, forcing my voice to sound like normal. It felt rather feeble an effort, though thankfully Mordred doesn't comment.

We hadn't gotten too much further into the cave when the ground shuddered slightly.

"Cave-in?" I asked, unable to help the slight lilt of panic in my voice. I had heard of the terrifying experiences of being trapped during a cave-in, and thus wasn't in all too a hurry to gain first-hand experience. Thankfully, my Servant shakes her head before her helmet once more covers her head.

"Unlikely, at least for now." And there went some of my confidence in the situation. Mordred continues speaking, unaware or uncaring of her wording. "If I had to guess, it might be because someone used a Noble Phantasm. Let's hurry up!"

"Right!" I nodded in agreement before forcing my tired body forward, following right behind the knight. Soon we enter a large chamber, and I take a few minutes to take in the situation.

Chulainn's outfit was torn, leaving him topless. His muscular chest bore several superficial wounds, and he was leaning rather heavily against his staff, glaring ahead. Slighting in front of him, an equally battered Mash leans tiredly against her massive shield, as the faint outline of what appeared to be a blue brick wall fades away. If it weren't for Ritsuka holding her up, the Demi-Servant would have probably been on the floor. My fellow Master, aside from one or two tears in his clothing from stray debris, appears to be fine, along with the director and the odd, dog-like creature that had been following Mash and Ritsuka. The ground, however, between them and the pulsing light towards the back of the cave, which I assume is the Grail of this Singularity, was carved out. I suppose that whatever Mash had done to block the attack was responsible for the shaking earlier. I turn towards my boss.

"Director!"

"Took you two long enough. Aronson, is your Servant able to take over? Mash seems to have used up almost all of her remaining strength to block that last attack, and we can't risk Caster any further," Director Animusphere asked me. I pointed towards the armored-clad Servant in front of Mash as Mordred and I take point.

Her skin is pale, unnaturally so. Her yellow eyes stare impassively, reminding me eerily of Archer's eyes. Held before her breastplate was a two-handed sword, smaller than Clarent (in other words, a normal-sized sword), and covered in a massive aura of purplish energy that had taken the shape of a massive caricature of a sword. Upon seeing Mordred and I, the energy begins to dissipate, though a faint outline was still present.

"Is that Saber?" I asked, looking at my fellow Master, who answers with a simple nod. I feel stupid for a moment for asking what was probably a redundant question before shaking my head. "Is Mash ok?" Another nod. However, Ritsuka looked slightly distracted, gazing over my shoulder. A drained Mash was also doing the same thing.

I turned around, having noticed that my Servant was staring intently at our final opponent. Her body seemed to stiffen, Clarent held in both hands loosely, tip pointed towards the Servant. Whether that was in preparation to attack or something else, I know not.

"Father…?" Mordred muttered upon seeing the black-armored Servant.

"Mordred," was the only answer we got. Cold, clipped, and unemotional, in a way like the corrupted Archer. Then the words just uttered by both Servants registers, and only one word comes to mind.

….Oh shit.

Notes:

Mordred facing off against Artoria Alter...what could go wrong? How did I do with the fighting scene, and are you guys enjoying how I am writing Mordred so far?

As mentioned in the last chapter, this was originally going to be the second half of Chapter Three. However, as also mentioned, I felt that the flow might have been better if it was split in two. Anyways, we are almost done with Singularity F, so that means more Servants appearing. Next chapter I might be making a poll at the end for our two Masters with a select list of Servants that may be summoned before we start the First Singularity. I am going to be mainly going with Servants being summoned either from the start like Artoria and Mordred can be, but with most of the other Servants, both good and bad, are going to be able to be summoned after the completion of each Singularity (E.G. Jeanne being summoned after completing Singularity 1). Also, keep an eye out for my Omake list I plan on making in a separate story.

Chapter Text

It had been a long day for me.

Narrowly missing being blown up by a possible bomb, then being teleported to a nightmarish hellscape where pretty much every five minutes there was some sort of life-or-death situation. Granted, some things did happen, such as Mash apparently discovering her Noble Phantasm (name to be shared later hopefully), summoning Mordred, and gaining Caster Chulainn as ana ally/guide. Which was immediately followed by several more near-death experiences.

The last thing I had expected today, however, was one of the world's worst family reunions.

"It looks like Archer has fallen," Saber commented, ignoring Mordred. I furrow my eyebrows in distaste at the action, staring at Mordred's father (God, this gender stuff is going to mess with my head). However, Archer's last request still needs to be fulfilled. I slowly nodded my head.

"Yes. Your comrade put up quite a fight. Before dying, he asked me to deliver his apologies for failing you," I said, doing my best to keep my tone even. Saber said nothing, forcing the next couple of minutes to pass by in an awkward silence. Finally, the corrupted Servant shook her head in what I assumed was disappointment.

"Hmph. No matter. I will defeat each and every last one of you," Saber declared, as if the fact wasn't a possible outcome so much as the only outcome. In front of me, Mordred growls.

"Like hell it will be that simple," she warned, finally gaining the attention of her father.

"So…I see someone has summoned you. Perhaps it is fitting that I will be the one to crush you," Saber said to a fuming Mordred. Her yellow eyes stare impassively.

"You look different, King of Knights," Mordred replied with a soft snarl, bile focused on the title. If I had thought that the mind games Archer had played on her were bad, this was going to be worse. However, the way Arthur's son was clutching the hilt of Clarent gave me the sense that I shouldn't interrupt.

"The Grail showed me that I had made some mistakes. Mistakes that I will not make again."

"Like not acknowledging your son?" Mordred shot back bitterly. Saber shook her head, unaffected by the accusation.

"Not quite. That moment where you declared your intentions when I denied your claim to my throne, that was a mistake. I should have cut you down then and there. Instead, I allowed you to live. That was my mistake."

I can't help but flinch at that statement. A sentiment that the rest of our group seems to share. Mordred said nothing, her body shaking slightly. Whether that was in anger or something else, I couldn't tell as the Knight of Rebellion refuses to look anywhere other than at her father.

"Master…" She finally called out to me. Her voice for once was utterly emotionless. It makes me shudder slightly. Having gotten use to, and dare I say enjoy, her typical boastful and excited personality, this seems just wrong.

"Yes?"

"If you interrupt this fight, it won't end well for you. This is between me and my father. Got it?" She demanded. I sigh internally, having accepted that this was going to happen. I nod before speaking up.

"In that case then, I have one thing to ask of you in return. Don't die." Please don't die. Not when we are so close to finishing this nightmare.

"Understood, Master," Mordred replied, scowling further at her father before her helmet slammed back into place. Crouching down, she readied Clarent before both Sabers lunged forward. The first clash of a corrupted Excalibur against the larger Clarent shook the floor somewhat, causing a few small rocks to become dislodged from the ceiling. Thankfully, they fall harmlessly, but it served as a reminder for us the risk we would take if we focused too intently on watching the duel.

"I thought you were the perfect king! Unable to make a mistake, and instead to always use wisdom! So why are you doing this?!?" Mordred shouted over the clash of metal.

"Maybe once those would have been correct, but your actions ensured that the ideals of Camelot are no longer necessary now," Saber responded. Wow. Who knew that King Arthur was capable of being this cruel? Chulainn watches the fight carefully nearby, and I turn to him.

"If it looks like Saber is about to kill Mordred, get her out of there. Please," I ask, almost begging. The Irish Servant gave me a brief sidelong look before nodding.

"Just be prepared to use a Command Seal if she tries to take my head off. With a little bit of luck, that might not happen," he responded before creeping around to the side, eyes narrowed. I turn my gaze back to the fight, my anxiety building in my stomach by the second.

It had been at most a minute by now, but to me, it feels like the fight has gone on longer. Thankfully, Mordred hadn't been wounded by Saber's sword yet, though at least on one occasion I saw the blade barely miss scratching my Servant's chest plate. However, Mordred has also failed to deliver any meaningful blows.

The flurry of blows and counterblows proceeds unabated in intensity. It seems the two Saber-class Servants were evenly matched in this case, as nothing beyond superficial damage had been dealt to either party. After the corrupted Excalibur deflects yet another swing of Clarent, father and son leapt backwards.

The battle pauses for a moment as the two face off. Then Mordred's helmet retracted, allowing me to see the burning anger in her emerald eyes as the hair stands up at the back of my neck. Is she about to use her Noble Phantasm.

"This is the evil sword that destroyed my father…" Mordred intoned as Clarent's blade was covered in crackling red energy. The red pieces at the base of Clarent shifted slightly just before the massive blade became engulfed in energy as Mordred readied her sword.

"Vortigern, hammer of the vile king, revers the rising sun, swallow the light," Saber responded in her monotone, readying her sword as if to swing as the entire form of the weapon is covered in the same energy as when my Servant and I had entered.

"Excalibur-"

"Clarent-"

"Morgan!"

"Blood Arthur!" Mordred howled in response, swinging Clarent as a surge of red energy slams into the black-and-purple mess that the corrupted Saber sent towards the Knight of Treachery. The two Noble Phantasm smash into each other.

A massive blast of wind almost knocked us off our feet. I can feel my cap being blown off my head as my right arm covered my eyes protectively. However, a terrible groaning sound caused me to look upwards, eyes widening as I see part of the battered cave ceiling giving falling towards us.

The others stare also in horror at the new danger. There are too many of us for Chulainn to rescue in time, Mordred was still fighting, and Mash doesn't seem to be able to repeat whatever defensive ability she had used earlier in blocking what must have been Saber's Noble Phantasm.

Thankfully, I have one trick up my sleeves, even if I have never tried it before in a situation even close to this one. I have no other choice, however, but try or die.

The closest to a specialty when it came to magic with my family was with the use of natural elements. My father focused on earth, my mother fire. My grandfather had chosen air, which would turn out to have been a rather wise choice, though he did not know it at the time. As for me?

I had chosen ice.

Interesting fact. Solid Ice can be incredibly durable. Three feet of solid ice can support up to roughly one hundred and ten tons, for example. I activated my Magic Circuits and pushed out. In my mind, I imagined all of the water dripping from the stalactites, hidden pools in crevices, even the sweat on my own forehead. All this water, collecting in one point overhead.

The main issue with being able to form and manipulate ice, at least for me, was that I needed water. The parched air outside had held none. But in the cold depths of underground, there was enough water that I could work with.

"Eis, bilden! Mach dich zu eninem Schild!" I shouted, holding my arms out, my eyes still closed. In my mind still, I imagine the water turning into ice, spreading overhead. There was not enough water to make it as thick as I would like.

Thankfully, I only required a small amount to start with. I imagine a thick sheet of ice overhead, my arms becoming two massive pillars to keep that ice over our heads.

A wall of ice floats overhead as the falling rocks smash against the surface, each impact feeling like a punch to the gut for me as I began to strain my muscles.

I had never summoned such a large amount of ice nor used it to support such a heavy wave of force impacting against it. The rocks slam into the ice, creating a horrendous grating noise. It feels like someone was sitting on my shoulders, trying to force me down. Sweat starts to trickle down my forehead as I groan softly under the pressure. The amount of rocks pressing down actually causes the ice shield to be pushed towards the floor.

Closer towards us.

What was I thinking? I had never summoned anything larger than an icicle before. All I did was buy us a few extra seconds of life, nothing more! My knees start to buckle under the strain of futilely pushing the ice back up.

"Jacob!"

This is it…this is where I fail, huh?

"S-senpai…"

Proving myself to be a failure…

"Aronson! Don't stop, it's working!" The director's encouragement causes me to snap out of my funk.

Unable to speak properly, I instead growled in response. No, no, no, no, no! Come on, you can do this! That one thought runs itself over and over in my head as I feel the wall of ice overhead start to steady itself. It no longer felt like it was being forced down by the impact of more rocks.

With a painful howl, I gestured with my hands to force the wall to one side, causing the rock to slide down, ending the threat. My throat feeling hoarse, I prepare to release the ice.

"Eis, schmelze," I rasped, flicking my right hand to the side to ensure that the rapidly melting ice doesn't splash down on us. I close my eyes, falling down onto one knee. My shoulders rise and fall rapidly as my tired lungs cry out for air. A dull throbbing sound, the start of a headache, no doubt, is felt in my head. I power down my Circuits and force my eyes to not slip shut.

The odd dog-like critter trots over, the brim of my hat being held in its mouth. Nuzzling my arm, the animal seems to be offering my hat. "Fou?" It seemed to ask, and a weak chuckle comes out of my mouth as one shaky hand gingerly grasped my hat.

"Thanks, buddy," I whispered in response, my mouth feeling parched as I place my hat back atop my head. The headache starts to recede a bit as I hear footsteps.

"Jacob Senpai…"

"That was amazing!" Ritsuka exclaimed, while Mash stared at me a bit worriedly, as was the director. Not that I can blame them, though I would never have said that aloud. I had never summoned anywhere close to that amount of ice before, nor used it to deflect such force. Good to know that I can do so in emergencies now, it seems.

"Thanks, Ritsuka. Mind giving me a hand?" I asked, my voice still raspy. I lick my lips instinctively, trying to moisten the dried-out skin. It seems I used up some of the water from my own body. Hopefully the good doctor will have glasses of water as well as snacks of some sort set out and ready for us.

Both Master and Demi-Servant gently grab my arms and help me to feet as the sound of fighting dies down. I raise my head to see Mordred taking a few steps back. I was about to call her name when I notice the blood running down Clarent, and the gaping hole in her father's armor.

"No matter what I try, I will always be doomed to meet the same fate alone, it seems," Saber sighed mournfully, looking at us.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Chulainn asked, staff gripped tightly in his hands. "Bastard, what do you know?" He demands. The Saber scoffed at that.

"Eventually, you too will realize it, Ireland's Child of Light. Grand Order…the battle to obtain the Holy Grail has only just begun

"Hey wait! What do you mean by-" Chulainn began to demand, before suddenly his own body begins to dissolve in that rapidly-familiar golden dust. "Whoa. Ah, crap, I'm getting sent back too? Damn it! I don't like this, but whatever," the Caster sighed before turning to Ritsuka and I. "Kids, I'm leaving the rest to you. Next time we meet, one of you had better summoned me as a Lancer!" With that, he too faded away.

Our communication link with Chaldea goes off, but I ignore it, walking over to my Servant cautiously. She hadn't moved or said anything since impaling her father with Clarent. I extend a hand towards her when I pause, hearing Director Animusphere muttering. I turn to see her with a troubled expression on her face.

"Grand Order…" she repeated, her brow furrowing further. "How did that Servant know that name?"

"Director, is something the matter?" I asked, retracting my hand. In response, the director looked at me like a deer caught in the spotlight.

"Huh? O-oh right. Well done, Aronson, Fujimaru. You two as well, Mash and Mordred. Several points are unclear, sadly, but let's call this mission complete regardless. First, let's retrieve that crystal. If it's the reason why Saber became abnormal, then it must also be the clear reason why Fuyuki City became a singularity," the white-haired Magus explained to us. Mash nods.

"Yes," the Demi-Servant, looking a bit better now that she had taken a breather, began. "An immediate retrieval-what?" The source for her confusion was a slow set of claps, mocking us for some reason.

"Well, I didn't expect any of you would get this far. Beyond my plan's expectations…and my own tolerance." My eyes narrowed, focused on the entrance as the masculine voice echoed through the chamber. Behind me, I hear Mordred shift her body. I don't think whoever else is here is a friend or ally, a sentiment it seems my Servant shares with me.

"Master Candidate Forty-Eight. It seems I was naïve and made the mistake of overlooking you as an improbable child. As for Master Candidate Forty-Nine, who would have ever thought that a simple trip to the restroom could cause such a mess?" A man in a ridiculous green suit and matching top hat enters the chamber. The man looks familiar…

Mash gasped in shock. "Professor Lev?"

The communication link still active and connected allows for me to hear Doctor Romani. "Confirm, did you say that Professor Lev is here?" Lev, Lev, Lev…wait…

"Hm. Is that Romani I hear? It seems you too survived," Lev commented casually, shaking his head sadly. "I told you to come to the command room immediately, but it seems you didn't listen…" Lev made a tut sound. This is the guy that Director Animusphere freaked out over not having? Wait…the command room…

"Trash who can't even follow orders," Lev sighed. "Just the mere sight of it makes me want to throw up. Why is it that humans always try to avoid their preordained destinies?" The hell is this guy going on about? My tired mind seems to be trying to tell me something when Mordred gripped my shoulder rather tightly.

"Master, I have a bad feeling about this guy," She whispered. Mash seemed to have reached the same conclusion, forcing herself in front of Ritsuka, a grimace showing.

"Master, fall back! Fall back, please! That person is dangerous… Th…That isn't the Professor Lev we know!" Didn't the doctor mention how there were no survivors from the command room? The odds of this man being here must be slim.

Director Animusphere was smiling, however. "Lev! Lev! You're alive! Oh, thank god for that!" She runs forward, ignoring what the two Servants had just said. "Thank goodness! Without you, I don't know how I could protect Chaldea!"

"Director, don't! That man is…" Mash began to plead, but the director wasn't listening.

"Hello, Olga. You seem well, despite having a rough time too," The Magus said with a smile that rings false to me. I winced slightly as Mordred squeezes my shoulder.

"That smile… It reminds me of the ones my mother would make…" Mordred muttered.

"Yes, Yes that's right Lev! The command room blew up, the city's in ruins, and I can't return to Chaldea! All of these damn unforeseen complications are driving me crazy! It doesn't matter now though. After all, with you here, we'll be fine, right?" Director Animusphere said excitedly, her body shaking in relief. "You've always been such a huge help!"

"Of course, I will help. Honestly, all of these complications have irritated me as well. The biggest one, though, has been you, Olga," Lev said in a cheerful tone, as if he hadn't just called the woman who looked up to him a pain in the ass. At that point, everything my brain was trying to warn me about ever since he started speaking click together.

An inside job…someone who knew about what was apparently confidential information for only top-ranking Chaldean staff…oh shit!

"Director! Get away from that man! He's the saboteur!"

"I set the bomb right underneath your feet, and yet you still live," Lev said at the same time, confirming my warning. I fear it might be too late. I try to run forward, to grab my boss and drag her back over here, but Mordred's grip is too strong. I can only watch as the director's expression turns to one of shock, then horror.

"What? L-Lev? Um, wh-what's that suppose to mean?" Director Animusphere demanded, stuttering in shock. Lev merely smiled before replying.

"Actually, that isn't exactly true. After all, you're dead. Or rather, your body is dead. It's been dead since the bomb went off. Trismegistus thoughtfully transferred you into this land as a residual thought. That means that if you ever return to Chaldea, you will cease to be!"

My body sags in Mordred's grip as we all realize what the traitor meant. "Wh-What? I'll vanish? Wait…I can't return to Chaldea?" Director Animusphere asked, horrified. Again, Lev shoots her that damn smile, acting as if he was caring for a wayward child.

"Indeed. However, that's too sad a story for you. Instead, how about I show you the fate of the Chaldea you devoted your entire life too." Lev tossed a small crystal into the air, perhaps the same crystal the director had been instructing us about retrieving, and the damaged ceiling of the cave shifts, showing the burning orb of Sheba. Just like when Ritsuka, Mash, and I were all Rayshifted here.

"Behold your folly! Not a sliver of blue representing human survival remains. Nothing but a burning, bright red. This…this is the outcome of this mission. Isn't it wonderful, Marie? Once again, your incompetence has brought forth tragedy!"

"But Lev…why?" Suddenly, the director's body is tugged towards the ceiling. She struggles as Lev continues his mockery.

"I could kill you know, but there's no grace to that. Instead, I think I shall grant you your final wish. Your wish to be with Chaldea. Granted, it will be little different from a black hole or a sun, but a human touching it would be a hellish disintegration on the molecular level!" A sadistic expression covers the traitor's face. "By all means, have a taste of infinite living death!

I feel the blood draining from my face, my eyes locked on in horror at Olga Marie Animusphere's body. A pounding sound pulses against my ear drums, the blood rushing, drowning out everyone else.

No.

No, this can't be happening.

"No… No, np! Someone help me! Help!" Olga Marie shrieked in terror, tears running down her cheeks as her supposed friend forced her closer to the rift. "I…I don't wat to die here…"

Her terrified words are the only thing I can hear clearly now. Rocks are dropping from the battered cave roof, as behind me I hear the distorted voices of my comrades shouting, speaking.

"Because I've never been praised…I've never been praised by anyone. Why? Why does this always happen to me? No one valued me! Everyone hated me!"

"It's not true," I whispered feebly. Was the director aggravating? Oh, most certainly. But even at her most bitchiness, she hadn't ran and abandoned us, no matter how terrified she had been.

"No! Stop! No, no, no, no, no…. I haven't even accomplished anything yet!" Olga Marie pleaded in vain. Her words seem to tear my insides apart, made all the worse by the fact that I can't move, can't fight, can't save her!

"From the moment I was born, I've never been accepted by anyone…"

"DIRECTOR!" Ritsuka howled, held back by a sorrowful Mash as the body of Olga Marie Animusphere vanished into the red glow of Sheba. Out of the corner of my eye, I see as Ritsuka tries to break free from Mash, a murderous rage in his eyes as he howled in anger. An anger that I feel, though crushed by the memory of the director's last moments.

No one, no one, deserved to die like that.

"No! Don't do it, Senpai! If you approach that man, you'll die the same way," Mash pleaded, wrapping her free arm around his torso. Hand still gripping my shoulder, I can feel Mordred's body shaking in anger. Lev dismisses the connection he had made, watching us with cruel eyes.

"Impressive, for a Demi-Servant. You have sensed that I am not human, it seems," Lev chuckled darkly. "Allow me to properly reintroduce myself. My name is Lev Lainur Flauros. I am in charge of the year 2017, sent to dispose of you humans." The traitor raises his arms up dramatically, like a lead actor on the stage, speaking loudly.

"Are you listening, Doctor Romani? As a friend who studied magecraft with you, let me give you some final advice. Chaldea is finished! Humanity has reached the moment of its destruction! This singularity is not related to the end, but is part of the end!"

What is he…

"The future didn't just disappear. No, it was incinerated the moment that Chaldea became dyed with crimson! Your end is certain. Your era no longer exists. Those magnetic fields may be protecting Chaldea, but any outside of it will face the same fate as Fuyuki City!" Humanity is gone?

We're on our own, aren't we? I start to hyperventilate, my anxiety hitting critical mass. The fire that had been burning after witnessing what this…this bastard did to the director was snuffed out cruelly. I failed to hear what Doctor Romani said in response. I manage to snap back to the present when the entire cave began to shake. Ritsuka and I looked around wildly, worried

"Ah, is this singularity at its limit? Damn that Saber," Lev muttered in disappointment. "If you'd just obeyed, you would have been allowed to live." Mordred seemed to have growled at the man. "Even when given the Holy Grail, she caused trouble by wanting to sustain this era. Farewell, Romani. And you, Mash, Candidates Forty-Eight and Forty-Nine. Believe it or not, I still have things to do. That means the enjoyment of your destruction ends here." Lev turned around and started to walk out of the cavern. Just before he is out of sight, however, he turned his head to leer at us.

"Now, be good children and be swallowed by the dimensional warp. However, since I am not that evil, I'll allow you to say a final prayer!" With that, he resumes walking to who-knows-where, his cackling echoing around the chamber.

My eyes are fixed right there, as I began to hyperventilate, becoming mute to the entirety of my surroundings as the cave seems to begin to collapse. Then, I start to feel a tingling sensation, similar to when we had been Rayshifted to this Singularity. Did Romani and the rest of the surviving staff at Chaldea completely repair the Rayshift tech?

Are we going to make it?

What are we going to do?

Am I going to survive the Rayshift? Will I wake up, or will it turn out that somehow, I too am already dead like Director Animusphere? The stress finally overcomes me, and my tired body falls limply in the grasp of my Servant, who seemed startled by my reaction.

"Master!"

Then, thankfully, I slip into blissful unconsciousness.

Notes:

And we have finished Singularity F! The next few chapters are going to take place in Chaldea, as I do not plan to go jumping straight from one singularity to the next. I hope I didn't mess up using the ice magic stuff. This is actually my first story that I have written where one of the main character uses magic who isn't a canon character and all. Also, here is the list of Servants that can be summoned before the next singularity:

Artoria, Medea, EMYIA, Sasaki Kojirou, and Medusa

Feel free to leave in the comments who you would like to see each Servant be summoned for which master, and why, and you may get to see it come true! Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and thank you all for all the lvoe you have been giving this story! I will see you all next time!